Figure 326

Prothrombin time, carotene, and vitamin B12 values within 30 days of diagnosis of primary systemic amyloidosis. The prothrombin time was increased in one sixth of patients at the time of diagnosis. It has been shown that prolongation of thrombin time occurs in 40% of patients [10]. A deficiency in factor X occurs in 15% but is not associated with bleeding. Malabsorption as manifested by a low carotene or serum B12 level occurs infrequently. (Adapted from Kyle and Gertz [5].)